12 candidates vie for Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Twelve candidates will be chosen to compete for the coveted Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan title, the festival organizer said.

Six young and beautiful candidates have been initially selected as official contestants in the much-anticipated screening of the 2011 Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan on Tuesday afternoon.

Kalibo Sto. Nino Ati-Atihan Foundation, Inc. (Kasafi) chairman Albert Menez said the festival organizer will conduct screening of lucky ladies for the next six slots that will vie for the coveted Mutya it Kalibo Ati-Atihan crown.

The 12 beautiful Aklanons will be formally presented to the media and sponsors on December 15 with preliminaries on December 23 for the talent competition at the Kalibo Pastrana Park and on December 27 in their captivating bikinis for the swimsuit pictorial and competition in the island of Boracay.

Three of the 12 promising and dazzling contestants will be crowned as the newest batch of queens at the grand coronation night on January 13, 2011 at the Kalibo Magsaysay Park.

Menez said contestants will also compete for minor awards for Best in Production Number, Swimsuit, Long Gown and Best Public Speaker and special awards for Miss Photogenic, Miss Talent and Miss Amity.

As Aklan Ambassadress of Goodwill and Tourism Advocate, the pageant winner will serve the province during her reign in her capacity to participate in the projects and programs in coordination with Kasafi and other provincial government agencies. She must also be able to sell and promote the local tourist destinations and handicrafts of the province of Aklan.

Menez said the aspiring candidates will undergo intensive rehearsals, workshops and pictorials and will also take part on press conferences, radio and school tours in preparation for the pageant night on January 5, 2011 at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex.